Question

Epidural or not?

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I want to try to have the baby natural, without any drugs. Please help me to understand what I will go thru..and I know every person is different, but who has had a drug free labor? and what was it like? how did you deal or focus?
- This is my first

Mom Answers

Honestly, why NOT have an epidural? Would you try a root canal without pain relief? Sounds primitive, no (and labor's worse? Some people have bad reactions to eating shrimp-are they preaching to you too? I thanked my lucky stars for it with my first and will def have another one in 3 weeks with my second. No side effects except relief-and with an 18 hour labor-the relief was much appreciated! Do what's right for you-but be careful not to miss ur window of opportunity!
What's so wrong with avoiding pain if it does no harm?

I was determined not to get an epidural with my first pregnancy, but then when things changed and I had to be induced due to blood pressure, I was praying to dilate to 4 cm so they could come put that epi in my back! I'm glad I did, because it took 17 hours before I was able to push, and then only 13 minutes of pushing when I got started. I could still feel the contractions and pressure, but I'm sure the pain was nothing like what it would've been had I not had the epidural. However, this time (29 weeks now), I have decided that I will do my very best to go into labor without being induced since my health has been good so far, and hopefully be able to finish the labor without the epidural. I want to do it, but I won't beat myself up if I can't. Just do what you need to do and don't feel bad or defeated. It is VERY HARD, indescribable, but worth it. Basically, if you can get through it, do it; if you can't, get the epi and some REST, so you can push, push, push when it is time.

I'm on baby #3, and if I do have to do normal labor/delivery, I'll probably ask about an epidural. My first son was born after 21 hours of labor, 7 hours of pushing (yes, 7), pitocin, episiotome and vacuum extraction. My second was born after 30 hours of labor, 4 hours of pushing, nubain, then a spinal for the c section after he never dropped after all that labor and pushing. I'm not really thrilled about thinking this one might be longer even yet! Honestly my c-sectiuon was much easier to recover from, the vag. birth took 4 months. But should they require me to go thru labor, I will get a epidural if I can. I'm getting too old to spend 30 hours in labor now, my youngest is 6 years old!

This is such a personal choice. Unless you are a religious person, I wouldn't suggest you allow other peoples religious beliefs to dictate your decision. Go into things with an open mind. In the end you will deal with the pain however you are able to. That is the truth. If you have a lower tolerance for pain, get the medication and don't feel bad about it. The thing that got me trough my natural birth was remembering that labor pain 1. Will not last forever, 2. Comes and goes (so you can take relief in between), and 3. Every bit of it is bringing you closer to meeting the baby you have been carrying for so long and dreaming about.

Look up "water birth", "natural birth" and other things like that they usually have lots of tips on how to cope with pain and pressure during delivery. I went drug free and with all the knowledge and things I have read I got through and had one of the most unbelievable experiences. You should also tell your partner about the things you read and look at the link I posted 15 hours ago... this will help him / her understand what you are going through and will know how they could help you. It is important that they understand you and what you are going through so they could be efficient with their supporting you when you need it the most. it's your body. Get to know it better =) There is also some books on how to visualize birthing and what is going on with your body, your baby so you could picture it all and not have to panic when it happens.

When I arrived at the hospital it was too late for an epidural. I was in labor for approx 7 hours, but it didn't get painful until the last 3. Honestly, the time flew by and I made it through. The worst feeling was the pushing sensation. My body wanted to push and the doctor said it wasn't time. When the time came to push, I pushed for 19 min and my son was born. They said I was dilating too fast. You can do it. Try not to get discouraged by other peoples opinions because you will get a lot of different ones. I went into labor petrified and in the end it was not that bad. Again you can do it and good luck!

There is no reason why you should not try natural childbirth! I had my daughter without any drugs. It was tough, but your body is capable of amazing things. Everyone thought I was crazy for not wanting the drugs, including my husband. He was very supportive during labor though, that was a big mental boost. He kept an eye on the monitor to tell me when the contractions were coming and when they were tapering off while I concentrated on breathing. I vomited a few times, had back labor, and had to lay down the whole time because they had some special monitor on the baby that prevented me from being able to get up and walk. It was the hardest thing I ever did in my life but I don't regret it for a second! My labor was eight hours and 20 minutes and I made it. You should get a book on hypnobirthing and be sure to do the perineal (sp?) stretching in the weeks leading up to your due date. You may change your mind once you're there but there is no reason to not try!
Good luck!
Kristin

I agree with those that say make sure you're comfortable. My epidural was a blessing. When my doctor broke my water I started having strong contractions 3 minutes apart immediately. When the anesthesiologist came in I was able to rest for all day while my labor progressed and I was ready to push. My bond with my now 2 year old son is as strong as ever, because I am his mom not because I avoided medication. Baby #2 is on the way and I hope to go the same route

I am expecting my first child and like any first time mother-to-be, I am terrified of the mere thought of the actual labor process. Do I know I will get through it? Yes. But, that doesn't change the fact that I still fear venturing into the "great unknown."
I thought I would read first-hand accounts from both perspectives that would help to ease my fears. However, after reading some of these posts, I feel even more terrified, horrible that I am even considering the option of an epidural and somewhat perturbed by the women on here who have the audacity to condemn anyone for taking pain medication to help ease labor pains. Yes, women have been giving birth naturally for years so it can be done, but women have also died or had serious complications during the birthing process, as well. Let's just celebrate the fact that we have options these days and agree that everyone has a different threshold of pain. That does NOT make them less of a woman.

Reading all of the posting is giving me a bit of hope now that my husband and I are trying for our second baby. With my son however (natural) was not something I could imagine. I had silent labor for weeks with my first child and when I finally came to deliver I had contractions but no pain. Shortly afterward the DR. gave me Pitocin and tore my water bag. Within 30 minutes the contractions became 2-3 minutes apart, and so intense that it felt like I was being stabbed in the stomach by a thick knife. I had taken lamaze and really tried to breathe and relax but there was just no way. With each conraction I literally was blacking out. I got an epideral and had agreat labor and delivery. I wanted to go natural so much but the reality proved unbearable. Maybe next time will be better. I honestly believe that if at any point my contractions were 10 minutes apart I may have been able to do it. I guess it really is different for everyone.

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